Stuffing is comfort food at its finest. Whether it’s the star side dish on a holiday table or an everyday treat to enjoy alongside roasted chicken, stuffing has a way of bringing people together. Its beauty lies in its versatility. While some stick to traditional bread-based stuffing, others love to experiment with ingredients, adding personal touches that make it uniquely their own. If you’re on the hunt for a tried-and-true stuffing recipe that is easy to customize, you’re in the right place.
This recipe offers the perfect balance of buttery, herby flavors with a moist, fluffy texture. You can keep it classic or use it as a base to incorporate seasonal ingredients, savory additions, or even sweet surprises. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for a simple, classic stuffing:
- 1 loaf of day-old bread (about 10–12 cups, cubed; sourdough or French bread works great!)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2–3 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (plus more if needed)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional add-ins:
- 1 cup cooked sausage (crumbled)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots
- 1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Bread
Cube the bread into small pieces and spread them on a baking sheet. Leave it out overnight to dry, or bake it at 250°F for 20–30 minutes, tossing occasionally, until dry and lightly toasted.Cook the Aromatics
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and celery, cooking until soft and fragrant (about 5–7 minutes). Stir in the garlic, sage, thyme, and parsley, and cook for another minute. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.Combine the Ingredients
Place the dried bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Pour the cooked vegetable mixture over the bread and gently toss to combine. If you’re using add-ins like sausage, nuts, or dried fruit, fold them in at this stage.Moisten the Mixture
Whisk together the broth and eggs in a separate bowl. Gradually pour the liquid mixture over the bread, stirring gently to coat. The bread should be moist but not soggy. Add a bit more broth if needed.Transfer to a Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and spoon the stuffing mixture into it, spreading it evenly.Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp. If you like an extra-crispy top, broil it for the last minute or two, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.Serve and Enjoy
Remove the stuffing from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Customization Tips
Stuffing is endlessly adaptable. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
Sausage Stuffing
Brown your favorite sausage in a skillet, then mix it into the bread cubes for a rich, savory twist.Sweet and Nutty Stuffing
Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts along with dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for some sweetness and crunch.Vegetarian or Vegan Options
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For vegan stuffing, replace the butter with olive oil and skip the eggs.Herb Lover’s Dream
Don’t be afraid to experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano. A mix of fragrant greens can elevate the stuffing to gourmet status.Gourmet Add-Ins
Try sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon bits, or even roasted chestnuts for sophisticated flavor combinations.
Final Thoughts
Stuffing is more than just a side dish; it’s a comfort food that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re preparing it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy Sunday dinner, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The best part? You can tweak it endlessly to suit your taste or showcase seasonal ingredients. We hope this recipe inspires you to create your ultimate stuffing masterpiece.
Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your unique variations in the comments below. Did you add spicy sausage, tangy cranberries, or maybe a wild card ingredient? We’d love to hear how you made it your own! Happy cooking!
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